Having closed shared club and residents parking lots on the island, despite easements to the contrary, the developer has now circulated an open letter regarding the future of the Grove Isle Club, which he owns and operates for the benefit of residents of Grove Isle. In this letter, the developer has asked residents to make a false choice between membership options which effectively compromises their rights and closes the club. Just how low can you go?

Grove Isle Club Developer message was left at residents’ doors yesterday
The Board of Directors has distributed the following message to residents: “We suggest owners consider withholding any response to the Club letter seeking a membership choice while our legal team evaluates the potential effect on our rights. You will receive further information early next week.” PGI concurs with the Board and believes – especially in the absence of notification to members that the Club would close – that this request of the Club’s owners is deceptive and serves to minimize the responsibility for the abandonment of the Grove Isle Club by the Club owner. A copy of the Board’s response may be accessed [by clicking here].
PGI strongly believes that residents should not respond to the developer’s proposed options.
Furthermore, with the commissioner candidates for District #2 visiting Grove Isle on 15 April, it will be important to direct to them specific questions concerning development of Grove Isle, the North Grove and Coconut Grove in general.
This is an important opportunity to change the current dynamics by finding politicians that seem more in step with our values.
We provide the following background on this issue for your ease of reference:
- All of the residents of Grove Isle are obligatory members of the Grove Isle Club, and pay substantial dues to belong.
- The Club provides the amenities for the residents, as meticulously described and defined in the Settlement Agreement of 1977. These amenities are valuable and part of the condominium purchase package. These include access to the hotel, restaurant, bar, pool deck, function rooms, spa and tennis courts.
- None of the resident members of the Club have received any notice of the Club closing. In contrast, members regularly receive multiple announcements via email and/or leafleting of special activities and functions at the Club.
- Residents have now received a communication from the Club NOT ANNOUNCING ITS CLOSURE but rather offering members the option of suspending their membership dues while the Grove Isle Club is closed or continue to pay their dues and use the Club at the Biltmore Hotel during this period.
- The Developer still has not obtained the necessary permits for construction of a new Club. Specifically, no demolition permit has been issued by the City of Miami.
- The current Grove Isle Club is non-conforming to Miami 21 since it is a commercial activity in an area zoned for restricted activities (e.g. residential). If the Grove Isle Club, which is currently grandfathered and thus protected from Miami 21, is shuttered, it will lose its grandfather rights.
- Under Miami 21, a new Grove Isle Club cannot be constructed in a T5-R zone. The implication is that upon closure of the Club, Grove Isle will never have another club or its associated amenities.